“We encourage the USDA to ensure a strong and consistent enforcement presence at this year’s Celebration, and to utilize the full range of both objective and subjective inspection protocols developed by the department.” See the full text of the letter here.

The five letter signers were the lead sponsors of the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, H.R. 693, that passed the House last month by a vote of 333 to 96. The bill would stop the intentional injury to horses. See the release on the passage of the PAST Act here.

The 81st annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration began today and runs through August 31.